Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

A one hour work call for new job - unpaid?

34 replies

ChimneySweepLiverpool · 23/07/2024 16:27

Started a new job. Didn't get to speak through plans/contract as needed due to how busy it was and manager has asked me to do a call next week when I'm off to speak through everything

He said I don't want to disturb your week so we can just do a 30 - 60 minute call. I feel like asking is that paid but he made it seem as though it isn't? I'm on an hourly rate and it'll disturb an afternoon for me

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
lazzapazza · 23/07/2024 23:08

That's not the sort of salary where you should be expected to give up your free time.

'Unfortunately I cannot guarantee my availability next week as I have a few plans still being finalised. I look forward to catching up with you the following week to discuss the project. Please feel free to put something in my diary for any time that works for you'

OR if you want to subtly make the point.

'Unfortunately I cannot guarantee my availability when I am on leave next week as I have a few plans still being finalised. I look forward to catching up with you the following week to discuss the project. Please feel free to put something in my diary for any time that works for you'

Original poster
ChimneySweepLiverpool · 23/07/2024 22:59

Charity sector. Manager of a small new team within company. Small company. 16/17 pounds per hour

OP posts:
lazzapazza · 23/07/2024 22:54

Can we get an idea of job title and salary?

Original poster
ChimneySweepLiverpool · 23/07/2024 22:37

It's a planning meeting that was meant to take place in person this week while I'm working but we haven't found time

I've already begun the job, been paid first paycheck etc so it's not that but we will discuss my contract during it

OP posts:
reallytimetodeclutter · 23/07/2024 22:35

Depends a bit on what it's about: if it's a follow on from the job interview, then YABU (you obviously wouldn't ask to be paid for an interview.)

If it's training for the job it should be paid.

I'd do it and see the lie of the land before working out if it's appropriate to put it on my timesheet (if you do them).

You might find the chat is to clear up any questions you have... including about expectations on how you get paid etc.

Original poster
ChimneySweepLiverpool · 23/07/2024 18:20

@PotNoodleNancy maybe I should point out this job isn't in UK so sick pay isn't offered when I am. I moved from the UK five years ago

Thank you for the sensible comment. People are making me feel ridiculous for wanting pay

OP posts:
Original poster
ChimneySweepLiverpool · 23/07/2024 18:18

@AnotherCunningPlan it wouldn't be unusual, I've had to argue for one before but I genuinely believe he has the contract written

OP posts:
PotNoodleNancy · 23/07/2024 18:03

Of course you should get paid when it’s something related to your job. How can this be in any doubt?

I can only imagine that those weirdo’s saying you should be grateful to work without pay are unaware of basic employment law and don’t value themselves at all. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’d also question why they don’t pay sick pay if you’re an employee? Many employees are paid hourly rates and work say a 40hr week for example.

Assuming you’re being paid somewhere close to minimum wage, this company sounds dodgy as fuck and needs reporting!

AnotherCunningPlan · 23/07/2024 17:58

I agree that its quite off to interrupt your week off, particularly as its unpaid and these are things that really should have been done before hand. As your new however I would show some flexibility and agree to the meeting, make it at a time thats convenient for you as well as your manager though.

I'm a bit surprised that you've started without a signed contract and that the firm is employing you without one. This wouldn't fill me with confidence and it feels like it leaves both parties quite vulnerable. Is this normal in your industry?

Original poster
ChimneySweepLiverpool · 23/07/2024 17:38

To answer some questions, I didn't mean to start without contract. They said they were still writing it

I'm not on annual leave, the business is closed for one weeks staff holidays and I agreed to do a week before that weeks closure so I'm ready for when it reopens

No timesheet, just pay week to week for hours worked

OP posts:
ruffler45 · 23/07/2024 17:38

Cut the guy a bit of slack, think you need to be a bit more flexible this early in a new job. Probably wont do you any harm in the long run unless this turns out to be the norm, just wait and see

Stereofind · 23/07/2024 17:37

Generally I'd agree with you these calls should be on work time and paid, but as a one off I'd do it. I sounds like the kind of onboarding call you'd usually do before you start and wouldn't expect to be paid for. Absolutely make sure it's set for a time that suits you though.

Original poster
ChimneySweepLiverpool · 23/07/2024 17:33

To be clear, I don't get paid for sick days or appointments in my industry as its hourly rates and you're just paid for the hours you clock in

But I take on board the points that it would be unreasonable to ask for that pay

OP posts:
imnottoofussed · 23/07/2024 17:32

Also as you are hourly paid will you be putting in timesheets etc? If yes I'd be putting in the call as hours worked in that case.

imnottoofussed · 23/07/2024 17:31

There's absolutely no way I'd be doing this in my annual leave.

However are you on annual leave next week for the full week? As most companies don't let you take more than you've accrued when you just start working for them.

ByCupidStunt · 23/07/2024 17:29

Tell em to get fucked, there's no way you're working for free.

SuperBatFace · 23/07/2024 17:17

I hear you OP and this is a work related meeting that should be conducted in work time. It's as simple as that

However there is definitely an argument for probably sucking this one up as a one off. So I'd agree it, saying something like ' hmm, I can stretch to 30 mins on such and such day or alternatively we could do it insert times when in work ' and then just do it

If you're reasonably confident this won't become a common occurrence, it's wise to show a little willing

PhilosophicalCheeseSandwich · 23/07/2024 17:13

Just do the call, show willing and have an hour's goodwill mentally banked for a time you need it paying back.

Why have you started without a contract, btw?

Inthemosquitogarden · 23/07/2024 17:13

If you’re on the minimum wage then fine. Otherwise I’d be a bit flexible as others have said you may be asking for flexibility yourself later.

Crystalbabe · 23/07/2024 17:00

ChimneySweepLiverpool · 23/07/2024 16:46

I clearly annoyed people whoops!

I was simply surprised at being asked to do a phone meeting on a week off and when working hourly, if you take an hour off it's usually deducted

Show quote history

I think it’s a bit petty but you could just say you’re only free for 30 mins

greenpolarbear · 23/07/2024 16:59

If you're not comfortable with working for free then having a job probably isn't for you.

It works both ways, as they aren't deducting time you spend going to the loo, having the odd sick day, not actually working at 100% one day because you're tireder than usual, and so on.

dollopz · 23/07/2024 16:56

if you need to leave early one day, then claim the hour back.

Original poster
ChimneySweepLiverpool · 23/07/2024 16:46

Crystalbabe · 23/07/2024 16:39

Wow

I clearly annoyed people whoops!

I was simply surprised at being asked to do a phone meeting on a week off and when working hourly, if you take an hour off it's usually deducted

OP posts:
CuteCillian · 23/07/2024 16:46

A bit of flexibility works positively for both of you I would imagine. Unless the role is very junior (min wage) I think this is a reasonable request from your employer.

FourToTheMFingFloor · 23/07/2024 16:46

It's not a great look, to dig your heels in over a one hour call during an entire week off, when you're so new. You can't expect them to be flexible when you need it, if you are so quick to demonstrate your rigidity.

Swipe left for the next trending thread